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Moon 761 -> 861 upgrade but keeping the 791 preamp/streamer

Hi there, I have a Moon 791/761 combo that feeds a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppy 50th Anniversary speakers. I’m looking for opinions on upgrading from the Moon 761 to the 861, under the assumption that I keep my Moon 791 as the streamer/DAC/preamp.

I should note that my listening is all-digital: Qobuz + local library via Roon. No analog sources — and no plans to go that route.

I love the 791 + 761 combo, especially given how clean and detailed it sounds. But I am wondering what the 861 might bring to the table, especially with Wilsons or other super-revealing speakers. Is it a real step up in terms of grip, dynamics, soundstage, etc.? Or is the 761 already "most" of the way there? Finally, am I missing out on some weird incompatibility between the 791 and the 861? I doubt it, but thought I’d ask.

Thanks in advance for your comments and opinions.

 

 

debrajray
singere
50 posts
 

@debrajray - I'm thinking of upgrading my Moon 390 to the 791 which would be powered by Moon 761 amplifier. Speakers are Sonus Faber Sonetta V (Gen 1) with Transparent super interconnects & speaker cables. What's your opinion on the 791? 

debrajray's avatar
debrajray OP
65 posts
 

@singere  I have never compared the Moon 390 to the 791 with the amp held constant. I have heard the 390-330A against the 791-761 and there is absolutely no comparison; the latter is in a different league. I suspect that the 791 is a far better match for the 761 than the 390, and it will be well worth doing the upgrade.

I do have two Moon systems: the 791-761 and the 891-761. I am not nudging you towards the 891, but even between two closer cousins you can tell the difference at several levels, most importantly on the noise floor. I would bet that the difference between the 791 and the 391 would be far more obvious.

Finally, the 791-761 combination (leaving out comparisons) is just superb.

jc51373
563 posts
 

I am listening to the 761 on audition...First impressions, reference level sound at the expense of some musicality. Need to put it through more records, but there are better amps for much less money. To each their own ear I suppose. To me it calls balls and strikes a little more than I prefer.  

debrajray's avatar
debrajray OP
65 posts
 

@jc51373 i hear you. I agree it’s neutral. What preamp are you hearing it with?

my main issue is that this 761/791 combo is very unforgiving when it comes to older recordings. But with high resolution music I think it’s pretty amazing. 

jc51373
563 posts
 

@debrajray I am running the Leben Pre, and I am listening to analog so all in all the front end is warmer and musical. I agree with you, this amp definitely shows bad recordings and shines on good recordings. It's very transparent overall, and that isn't going to be for everyone...I feel like it I am missing some of the romance and musical message I am used to with my current Class A amp. I guess it just depends on what you want, I am one to give some some detail and transparency for musicality and flow. 

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